U.S. patent number 10,828,203 [Application Number 15/566,830] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-10 for wound pad and a self-adhesive member comprising a wound pad.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Molnlycke Health Care AB. The grantee listed for this patent is Molnlycke Health Care AB. Invention is credited to Sami Ahsani, Sandra Josefsson, Christoffer Sandberg, Anna Svensby.
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00000.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00001.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00002.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00003.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00004.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00005.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00006.png)
![](/patent/grant/10828203/US10828203-20201110-D00007.png)
United States Patent |
10,828,203 |
Ahsani , et al. |
November 10, 2020 |
Wound pad and a self-adhesive member comprising a wound pad
Abstract
The present invention relates to a wound pad comprising fibers
and being provided with at least a first and a second discrete
group of incisions, wherein each one of said discrete groups of
incisions comprises at least a first and a second incision, wherein
said first and said second incision extend from a common starting
point to a respective end point, wherein the end point of said
first incision is spaced from the end point of said second
incision, wherein the common starting point of said first group of
incisions is provided on a first side of an imaginary line
extending in the machine direction of said fibrous wound pad, and
the common starting point of said second group of incisions is
provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and wherein a
first incision of said first group of incisions and a second
incision of said second group of incisions each cross said
imaginary line. The present invention also relates to a
self-adhesive member for adhering to and cover a portion of a
user's skin.
Inventors: |
Ahsani; Sami (Gothenburg,
SE), Josefsson; Sandra (Kungsbacka, SE),
Svensby; Anna (Vastra Frolunda, SE), Sandberg;
Christoffer (Gothenburg, SE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Molnlycke Health Care AB |
Gothenburg |
N/A |
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Molnlycke Health Care AB
(Gothenburg, SE)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005170951 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/566,830 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2016 |
PCT
Filed: |
April 20, 2016 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2016/058691 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 16, 2017 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2016/169948 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
October 27, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180133066 A1 |
May 17, 2018 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Apr 21, 2015 [EP] |
|
|
15164465 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
13/0209 (20130101); A61F 13/0223 (20130101); A61F
13/0253 (20130101); A61F 13/023 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
13/02 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1095916 |
|
Dec 1994 |
|
CN |
|
1134163 |
|
Oct 1996 |
|
CN |
|
101588777 |
|
Nov 2009 |
|
CN |
|
102011002268 |
|
Oct 2012 |
|
DE |
|
821959 |
|
Oct 1959 |
|
GB |
|
1990-139625 |
|
Nov 1990 |
|
JP |
|
2008-525112 |
|
Jul 2008 |
|
JP |
|
WO 2006071649 |
|
Jul 2006 |
|
WO |
|
WO-2006/130594 |
|
Dec 2006 |
|
WO |
|
WO 2008/039839 |
|
Apr 2008 |
|
WO |
|
WO-2016/030047 |
|
Mar 2016 |
|
WO |
|
WO-2016/169948 |
|
Oct 2016 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Preliminary Report on Patentability was dated Feb.
28, 2017 by the International Searching Authority for International
Application No. PCT/EP2015/064544, which was filed on Jun. 26, 2015
and published as WO 2016/030047 on Mar. 3, 2016
(Applicant--Molnlycke Health Care AB) (8 pages). cited by applicant
.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability was dated Oct.
24, 2017 by the International Searching Authority for International
Application No. PCT/EP2016/058691, which was filed on Apr. 20, 2016
and published as WO 2016/169948 on Oct. 27, 2016
(Applicant--Molnlycke Health Care AB) (6 pages). cited by applicant
.
International Search Report and Written Opinion were dated Jul. 8,
2016 by the International Searching Authority for International
Application No. PCT/EP2016/058691, which was filed on Apr. 20, 2016
and published as WO 2016/169948 on Oct. 27, 2016
(Applicant--Molnlycke Health Care AB) (8 pages). cited by applicant
.
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Sep. 21, 2015
by the International Searching Authority for International Patent
Application No. PCT/EP2015/064544, which was filed on Jun. 26, 2015
and published as WO 2016/030047 on Mar. 3, 2016 (Inventors--Ahsani
Ghahreman et al.; Applicant--Molnlycke Health Care AB) (10 pages).
cited by applicant .
Notice of Opposition issued in corresponding European Patent
Application No. 15164465.5, dated Sep. 2, 2020 ( 15 pages; English
Translation--5 pages). cited by applicant .
Second Notice of Opposition issued in corresponding European Patent
Application No. 15164465.5, dated Sep. 11, 2020 (25 pages). cited
by applicant .
Non-Woven terms for the Informed Employee "MD and CD," Training
Tools by Non-woven Tools LLC, Copyright Non-woven Tools LLX 2009.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Patel; Tarla R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ballard Spahr LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A wound pad comprising fibers and being provided with at least a
first and a second discrete group of incisions, wherein each one of
said discrete groups of incisions comprises at least a first and a
second incision, wherein said first and said second incision extend
from a common starting point to a respective end point, wherein the
end point of said first incision is spaced from the end point of
said second incision, wherein the common starting point of said
first discrete group of incisions is provided on a first side of an
imaginary line extending in a machine direction of said wound pad,
and the common starting point of said second discrete group of
incisions is provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and
wherein a first incision of said first discrete group of incisions
and a second incision of said second discrete group of incisions
each cross said imaginary line.
2. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein each one of said
discrete groups of incisions also comprises at least a third
incision extending from said common starting point.
3. A wound pad according to claim 2, wherein the angle between said
second incision and said third incision, within the discrete group
of incisions, is between 60.degree. and 120.degree..
4. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein an angle between one
of the incisions within a discrete group of incisions and another
incision within the discrete group of incisions is between
60.degree. and 150.degree..
5. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein said first incision
within each discrete group of incisions extends in a direction
having an angle of 60.degree.-90.degree. in relation to the machine
direction of the wound pad.
6. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein each one of said
incisions has a length between 3 and 7 mm.
7. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein each one of the
incisions within a group of incisions all have a length that is the
same.
8. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein each discrete group of
incisions has a dimension and a shape that is the same as a
dimension and a shape of the other discrete groups of incisions
provided on the wound pad.
9. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein said wound pad
comprises a distributing layer, comprising non-woven material.
10. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein said incisions extend
through said distributing layer.
11. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein at least two of said
incisions within a discrete group of incisions have different
depths.
12. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein the wound pad is
provided with at least a first area being provided with said
discrete groups of incisions, and at least one second area which is
not provided with said discrete groups of incisions.
13. A wound pad according to claim 12, wherein said second area
that is not provided with discrete groups of incisions extends
along a periphery of said wound pad.
14. A wound pad according to claim 1, wherein a pattern of
incisions throughout the wound pad is distributed along a periphery
of the wound pad.
15. A self-adhesive member for adhering to and covering a portion
of a user's skin, said self-adhesive member comprising a wound
contact layer having a self-adhesive coating and a wound pad
according to claim 1 attached to said wound contact layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a U.S. National Phase Application of
International Application No. PCT/EP2016/058691, filed Apr. 20,
2016, which claims priority to European Application No. 15164465.5,
filed Apr. 21, 2015, each of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wound pad comprising fibers and
being provided with at least a first and a second discrete group of
incisions, wherein each one of said discrete groups of incisions
comprises at least a first and a second incision.
It also relates to a self-adhesive member for adhering to and
covering a portion of a user's skin, said self-adhesive member
comprising a wound contact layer having a self-adhesive coating and
a wound pad.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Self-adhesive wound care products or dressings are frequently used
in wound care. Such wound care products typically include a wound
contact layer having an adhesive coating and a wound pad.
For wound care products, wear time is an important factor. Adhesive
wound care products often have a tendency to start losing the
adhesive connection with the user's skin along the edges of the
wound care product, due to e.g. friction between the adhesive
dressing and materials, such as clothes or bed clothing, that the
adhesive dressing contact during normal use of it or because of
movements of the user wearing the dressing, e.g. by bending of a
knee or arm. This is of course undesired, since it may lead to the
wound care product being uncomfortable to wear, and to lost
function of the product as it may not cover the wound properly.
However, there is also a constant strive towards using mild
adhesives for the wound care products, as that is more friendly to
the user's skin. These two needs must be balanced in order to
achieve a product that is both reliable and user-friendly.
Hence, there is a need for a self-adhesive wound care product that
has improved wear time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the above-identified and other
problems by providing a wound pad comprising fibers having discrete
groups of incisions. The discrete groups of incisions are provided
with an overlap such that an incision of a group of incisions has
its starting point on one side of an imaginary line extending in
the machine direction of the wound pad and intersects that
imaginary line, wherein an incision of another group of incisions
has its starting point on the other side of said imaginary line,
and wherein that incision also intersects said imaginary line.
Depending on the amount of groups of incisions and their positions,
all or some of the fibers of the wound pad will be cut along their
extension, and the wound pad thereby becomes more flexible. With a
more flexible wound pad, the wound pad may easier conform to the
user's body and less stress is applied to the wound pad during use.
Thereby, a more skin friendly adhesive may be used.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wound pad
comprising fibers and being provided with at least a first and a
second discrete group of incisions is provided. Each one of said
discrete groups of incisions comprises at least a first and a
second incision, wherein said first and said second incision extend
from a common starting point to a respective end point, wherein the
end point of said first incision is spaced from the end point of
said second incision, wherein the common starting point of said
first group of incisions is provided on a first side of an
imaginary line extending in the machine direction of said fibrous
wound pad, and the common starting point of said second group of
incisions is provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and
wherein a first incision of said first group of incisions and a
second incision of said second group of incisions each cross said
imaginary line.
A wound pad according to this first aspect fulfills the needs of a
wound pad in terms of fluid handling capacity at the same time as
it becomes more flexible than previously known wound pads.
That each group of incisions comprises at least two incisions is
intended to mean that it has at least two straight or curved cuts
in a plane of the wound pad, wherein the plane is substantially
parallel to the plane of an outer wound contact surface of the
wound pad. The depths of the incisions thereby extend in a plane
being perpendicular to the outer wound contact surface of the wound
pad.
However, the at least two incisions may well be made by only one
tool, such as a cutting tool having a plurality of blades. Hence,
according to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions are made by a
cutting tool such as a knife. According to another exemplary
embodiment, said incisions are made by cutting by laser.
The term machine direction defines the lengthwise direction of the
material web during production. Hence, before the products are
being cut from the roll, the machine direction defines the length
of the roll. The term cross-direction defines a direction being
perpendicular to the machine direction.
With the provision of incisions in the manner described above, i.e.
that the common starting point of said first group of incisions is
provided on a first side of an imaginary line extending in the
machine direction of said fibrous wound pad, and the common
starting point of said second group of incisions is provided on a
second side of said imaginary line, and wherein a first incision of
said first group of incisions and a second incision of said second
group of incisions each cross said imaginary line, one of the
incisions of the first group of incisions will overlap one of the
incisions of the second group of incisions. Hence, with overlap is
in this application not meant that the incisions must intersect
each other, but that their extension is such that they both
intersect the same imaginary straight line extending in the machine
direction of the wound pad. By this, fibers present in any of the
layers of the wound pad, in an area where groups of incisions are
provided, will be cut at least once along their extension. A
straight line drawn in the machine direction of the wound pad, and
in the area of the wound pad where the groups of incisions are
provided, will thereby always pass at least one incisions, and
potentially also pass several incisions from different groups of
incisions.
The total fluid handling capacity is also increased and especially
the moisture vapour loss is largely increased with the inventive
dressing. This can be attributed to the increased product
flexibility provided by the group of incisions. The wound pad is
allowed to stretch in all directions during wet conditions.
Therefore, the movement and spreading of liquid within the dressing
is improved, and excess liquid can evaporate from the product, and
be transferred out from the wound pad through the backing layer. In
other words, the dressing does not become saturated as quickly, and
the dressing can be left in place for a longer time compared to a
non-flexible product according to the prior art.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the overlap of two
incisions may be described in that said groups of incisions are
provided such that a first imaginary tetragon circumscribing a
first group of incisions will partially cross a second imaginary
tetragon circumscribing a second group of incisions, wherein the
imaginary tetragons have two sides extending in the machine
direction of the wound pad and two sides extending in the
cross-direction of the wound pad, and wherein each tetragon is the
smallest possible tetragon circumscribing a group of incisions.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the overlap of two
incisions may be described in that said groups of incisions are
provided such that a first imaginary tetragon circumscribing a
first group of incisions will partially cross a second imaginary
tetragon circumscribing a second group of incisions, wherein the
imaginary tetragons have two sides extending in the machine
direction of the wound pad and two sides extending in the
cross-direction of the wound pad, and wherein each tetragon is
provided such that the centre of at least one of the sides of it is
in contact with the end point of one of the incisions.
According to one exemplary embodiment, in which each group of
incisions comprises three incisions, the tetragon is provided such
that a first one of its corners is provided at the end point of a
first incision, a second one of its corners is provided at the end
point of a second incision, and a centre of one of its sides is
provided at an end point a third incision.
According to one exemplary embodiment, in which each group of
incisions comprises four incisions being provided orthogonally to
each other, the tetragon is provided such that a respective centre
of each one of the sides is provided at an end point of a
respective incision.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is an overlap,
according to the definition given above, between the incisions of a
first group of incisions with at least two other groups of
incisions. It is according to this embodiment not necessary that it
is the same incision of the first group of incisions that overlap
both two other groups of incisions, it may also be that the first
incision of the first group of incisions overlap an incision of a
second group of incisions and the second incision of the first
group of incisions overlap an incision of a third group of
incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is an overlap between
one or several of the incisions of a first group of incisions with
one or several incisions of at least three other groups of
incisions. It is, similar to the previous exemplary embodiment, not
necessary that it is the same incision of the first group of
incisions that overlap incisions of the three other groups of
incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is an overlap between
the incisions of a first group of incisions with the incisions of
at least four other groups of incisions. It is, similar to the two
previous embodiments, not necessary that it is the same incision of
the first group of incisions that overlap the incisions of the four
other groups of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the common starting point of
said first group of incisions is also provided on a first side of
an imaginary line extending in the cross direction of said fibrous
wound pad, and the common starting point of said second group of
incisions is provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and
wherein a first incision of said first group of incisions and a
second incision of said second group of incisions each cross said
imaginary line. Hence, according to this embodiment, overlapping
incisions, according to the definition of overlap in this
application, are provided in both the machine direction and the
cross direction of the wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the common starting point of
said first group of incisions is also provided on a first side of
an imaginary line extending in a diagonal direction of said fibrous
wound pad, and the common starting point of said second group of
incisions is provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and
wherein a first incision of said first group of incisions and a
second incision of said second group of incisions each cross said
imaginary line. With diagonal direction is meant a direction having
an angle of 45.degree. in relation to the machine direction of the
wound pad. Hence, according to this embodiment, overlapping
incisions, according to the definition of overlap in this
application, are provided in both the machine direction and the
diagonal direction of the wound pad. It is also conceivable with an
embodiment in which overlaps are provided in the machine direction,
the cross direction and the diagonal direction of the wound
pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the common starting point of
said first group of incisions is also provided on a first side of
an imaginary straight line extending in any direction, from a first
peripheral point of said fibrous wound pad to a second peripheral
point of said fibrous wound pad, and the common starting point of
said second group of incisions is provided on a second side of said
imaginary line, and wherein a first incision of said first group of
incisions and a second incision of said second group of incisions
each cross said imaginary line.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is at least 1 mm
between the incisions of a first group of incisions and the
incisions of the other groups of incisions. Hence, according to
this exemplary embodiment, the incisions overlapping each other are
provided at least 1 mm from each other. By this, a sufficient
amount of material is provided between each discrete group of
incision so that the wound pad can absorb and transport the
required amount of wound fluids. The amount of material around each
discrete group of incisions also provides for a suitable stability
of the wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
the entire thickness of the wound pad. According to another
exemplary embodiment, said incisions do not extend through the
entire thickness of the wound pad. Wound pads may be configured
with different number of layers comprising different kinds of
materials, depending on the intended usage of the wound pad. For
certain embodiments it may be beneficial if the incisions extend
through the entire thickness of the wound pad, while it for others
may be beneficial if they only extend through some of the layers,
or partially through a layer.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each one of said discrete
groups of incisions also comprises at least a third incision
extending from said common starting point.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each one of said incisions
has a straight extension.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the angle between one of the
incisions within a group of incisions and another incision within
the same group of incisions is between 60.degree. and
150.degree..
According to another exemplary embodiment, the angle between one of
the incisions within a group of incisions and another incision
within the same group of incisions is between 72.degree. and
120.degree..
The angles between the incisions within each group of incisions are
dependent on the number of incisions within each group. It is
possible, but not necessary that the angles are the same between
all incisions within a group of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said first incision within
each group of incisions extends in a direction having an angle of
60.degree.-90.degree., more preferably 75.degree.-90.degree., and
most preferred 90.degree. in relation to the machine direction of
the wound pad. By providing a first incision within each group of
incisions with an angle to the machine direction of the wound pad
being within the ranges according to this embodiment, the fibers of
a fiber-based layer in the wound pad will be cut to a sufficient
degree along their extension.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the angle between said second
incision and said third incision, within the same group of
incisions, is between 60.degree. and 120.degree.. The angles
between the incisions within each group of incisions are dependent
on the number of incisions within each group. It is possible, but
not necessary that the angles are the same between all incisions
within a group of incisions.
According to one exemplary embodiment, in which the group of
incisions consists of three incisions, the angle between each one
of the incisions is 120.degree..
According to an exemplary embodiment, the length of each one of
said incisions is between 3 and 7 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm
and most preferably 5 mm.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the length of each one of the
incisions within a group of incisions is the same.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each group of incisions has
the same dimensions and shape as the other groups of incisions
provided on the wound pad.
Hence, the length of the incisions within a group of incisions may
be the same, but it is not necessary. Also, the length of the
incisions may vary between different groups of incisions. However,
they may also be the same on the entire wound pad.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the distance between the
respective common starting points of two adjacent groups of
incisions is shorter than twice the length of each one of said
incisions in the adjacent groups of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the width of each one of said
incisions is less than 1 mm. With incisions are meant cuts in which
as little material as possible is removed. According to an
exemplary embodiment, no material at all is removed from said wound
pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound pad comprises a
distributing layer, comprising non-woven material.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said non-woven material
comprises polyester and/or viscose fibers.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the incisions extend through
said distributing layer of the wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound pad comprises a
liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer. According to an
exemplary embodiment, said liquid retaining and liquid transporting
layer comprises super absorbent material.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound pad comprises a
liquid transporting layer. According to an exemplary embodiment,
said liquid transporting layer comprises a foam based material.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound pad comprises a
fourth layer. According to an exemplary embodiment, said fourth
layer comprises foam.
The different layers of a wound pad mentioned above may be combined
to many different embodiments. According to an exemplary
embodiment, said wound pad comprises a first layer being a liquid
transporting layer, a second layer being a distributing layer, and
a third layer being a liquid retaining and liquid transporting
layer, wherein said liquid transporting layer is provided on one
side of said distributing layer, and said liquid retaining and
liquid transporting layer is provided on the other side of said
distributing layer. Another exemplary embodiment comprises, in
addition to the previous exemplary embodiment, said fourth foam
based layer, being provided on the side of said liquid retaining
and liquid transporting layer that is directed away from said
distributing layer. Another exemplary embodiment comprises a
distributing layer and a liquid retaining and liquid transporting
layer. Another exemplary embodiment comprises a liquid transporting
layer and a distributing layer.
According to an exemplary embodiment said incisions extend through
said distributing layer. The distributing layer is, in many wound
pads, the stiffest layer. Hence, providing said distributing layer
with incisions has the greatest effect on flexibility, as compared
to cutting through any of the other layers of a wound care product,
even if it also in certain applications may be beneficial to cut
trough also one or several of the other layers. It may also in
certain applications also be beneficial to not cut through the
distributing layer, and only cut through one or several of the
other layers.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
both said liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer and said
distributing layer. In this embodiment, the cuts may be made by
cutting from the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer
side of the wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
said liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer, said
distributing layer and at least partially through said liquid
transporting layer. In this embodiment, the cuts may be made by
cutting from the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer
side of the wound pad, but the cuts are made somewhat deeper than
in the previous exemplary embodiment and therefore extend into the
liquid transporting layer.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
both said liquid transporting layer and said distributing layer. In
this embodiment, the cuts may be made by cutting from the liquid
transporting layer side of the wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
said liquid transporting layer, said distributing layer and at
least partially through said liquid retaining and liquid
transporting layer. In this embodiment, the cuts may be made by
cutting from the liquid transporting layer side of the wound pad,
but the cuts are made somewhat deeper than in the previous
exemplary embodiment and therefore extend into the liquid retaining
and liquid transporting layer.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said incisions extend through
the entire wound pad. For example, if the wound pad comprises a
liquid transporting layer, a distributing layer and a liquid
retaining and liquid transporting layer, said incisions extend
through said liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer, said
distributing layer and said liquid transporting layer. This
embodiment may also be implemented in any of the other exemplary
embodiments of wound pads as well.
According to an exemplary embodiment, at least two of said
incisions within a group of incisions have different depths. It is
for example conceivable with different combinations of depths
according to the different embodiments presented above. It is also
conceivable with embodiments in which an incision within a group of
incisions extends wholly through a layer and another incision
extends only partially through the same layer.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the depth of a first group of
incisions is different from the depth of a second group of
incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound pad is provided
with at least a first area being provided with said discrete groups
of incisions, and at least one second area which is not provided
with said discrete groups of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said second area that is not
provided with discrete groups of incisions extends along the
periphery of said wound pad. Hence, according to this embodiment,
at least an area extending along the periphery of the wound pad is
not provided with groups of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the pattern of incisions
throughout the wound pad is distributed along the periphery of the
wound pad. In this embodiment, a central area of the wound pad is
not provided with groups of incisions. Leaving a central area of
the wound pad without any incisions may have a positive effect on
the amount of liquid that may be absorbed by the wound pad, while
at the same time an increased flexibility of the wound pad is
provided along its edges. Also in this embodiment is it important
that the groups of incisions and the incisions within each group
are provided in an overlapping manner so that the wound pad is
sufficiently cut. For example, if the wound pad is cut through a
layer comprising fibers, the fibers should be cut at least once
along their extension in the areas where groups of incisions are
provided.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a wound pad
having a central area that is not provided with groups of
incisions, as well as an area closest to the periphery of the wound
pad that is also not provided with groups of incisions. Instead, an
area there between is provided with groups of incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the groups of incisions are
evenly distributed over the wound pad. Hence, according to this
embodiment, the entire wound pad is provided with groups of
incisions. With entire wound pad being provided with groups of
incisions is meant to understand that imaginary tetragons
circumscribing the group of incisions, wherein the imaginary
tetragons have two sides extending in the machine direction of the
wound pad and two sides extending in the cross-direction of the
wound pad, and wherein each tetragon is the smallest possible
tetragon circumscribing a group of incisions, covers the entire
wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, imaginary tetragons
circumscribing the group of incisions, wherein the imaginary
tetragons have two sides extending in the machine direction of the
wound pad and two sides extending in the cross-direction of the
wound pad, and wherein each tetragon is the smallest possible
tetragon circumscribing a group of incisions, covers at least 90%
of the wound pad. According to this embodiment, it is possible with
a wound pad which is provided with groups of incisions over
substantially its entire extension. It is then conceivable that
e.g. a small area somewhere on the wound pad, e.g. along its
periphery, is not provided with groups of incisions.
According to one exemplary embodiment, a wound pad comprising
fibers and being provided with a plurality of discrete group of
incisions is provided, wherein each one of said discrete groups of
incisions comprises at least a first and a second incision, wherein
said first and said second incision extend from a common starting
point to a respective end point, wherein the end point of said
first incision is spaced from the end point of said second
incision, wherein the common starting point of a first group of
incisions is provided on a first side of an imaginary line
extending in the machine direction of said fibrous wound pad, and
the common starting point of a second group of incisions, being
adjacent to the first group of incisions, is provided on a second
side of said imaginary line, wherein a first incision of said first
group of incisions and a second incision of said second group of
incisions each cross said imaginary line, and wherein the plurality
of groups of incisions are provided such that it is not possible to
draw a line from one side of the wound pad to another in the area
between the outermost groups of incisions, without passing at least
one incision.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the wound pad comprises a
central area being provided with groups of incisions, and a
peripheral area that is not provided with groups of incisions.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the central area covers
75-95% of the wound pad, and more preferably 85-95% of the wound
pad.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the peripheral area extends
along the periphery of the wound pad, and has a width towards the
center of the wound pad that is in the range of 3 and 12 mm,
preferably between 4 and 10 mm and most preferably between 4 and 6
mm.
According to one exemplary embodiment, said central area is
provided with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is
not possible to draw a line through said central area, and in the
machine direction of the wound pad, without passing at least one
incision.
According to one exemplary embodiment, said central area is
provided with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is
not possible to draw a line through said central area, and in the
cross direction of the wound pad, without passing at least one
incision.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said central area is provided
with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is not
possible to draw a straight line extending in a diagonal direction
of said wound pad, without passing at least one incision.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said central area is provided
with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is not
possible to draw a straight line extending in any direction, from a
first peripheral point of said wound pad to a second peripheral
point of said wound pad, without passing at least one incision.
According to one exemplary embodiment, said central area is
provided with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is
not possible to draw a line through said central area, and in the
machine direction of the wound pad, without passing at least three
incisions.
According to one exemplary embodiment, said central area is
provided with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is
not possible to draw a line through said central area, and in the
cross direction of the wound pad, without passing at least three
incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said central area is provided
with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is not
possible to draw a straight line extending in a diagonal direction
of said wound pad, without passing at least five incisions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said central area is provided
with a plurality of groups of incisions, such that it is not
possible to draw a straight line extending in any direction, from a
first peripheral point of said wound pad to a second peripheral
point of said wound pad, without passing at least three
incisions.
The shape and size of wound pads vary. Therefore, also the number
of groups of incisions provided on a wound pad varies between
different wound pads. A small wound pad may for example be provided
with a few, e.g. three, groups of incisions in the machine
direction, and a few, e.g. four, groups of incisions in the cross
direction. A rectangular wound pad may of course have more, or even
many more, groups of incisions in one direction, i.e. the machine
direction or the cross direction, than in the other direction. A
square-shaped wound pad may have approximately the same amount of
groups of incisions in both directions. A large wound pad may be
provided with many more groups of incisions, in both directions,
than a smaller wound pad.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said groups of incisions are
provided in rows of groups of incisions, wherein said rows of
discrete groups of incisions are spaced from each other in the
cross direction of the wound pad.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
self-adhesive member for adhering to and covering a portion of a
user's skin is provided. Said self-adhesive member comprises a
wound contact layer having a self-adhesive coating and a wound pad
according to any one of the previous exemplary embodiments attached
to said wound contact layer.
The wound pad of the first aspect of the present invention is
suitable to use in a self-adhesive member such as a wound
dressing.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said wound contact layer
comprises a film layer and an adhesive coating.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said self-adhesive member is
provided such that the wound pad is provided in contact with the
film layer of said wound contact layer and said adhesive coating of
said wound contact layer is facing towards said user, when the
self-adhesive member is being used.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said liquid transporting
layer of the wound pad is provided closest to the wound contact
layer and the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer is
provided furthest away from the wound contact layer, when a wound
pad comprising three layers is used.
According to an exemplary embodiment, said self-adhesive member
also comprises a backing layer, wherein said backing layer is
provided on the opposite side of said wound pad in relation to said
wound contact layer.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a wound pad
comprising fibers and being provided with at least a first and a
second discrete group of incisions is provided. Each one of said
discrete groups of incisions comprises at least a first and a
second incision, wherein said first and said second incision extend
from a common starting point to a respective end point, wherein the
end point of said first incision is spaced from the end point of
said second incision, and wherein the depth of said first incision
within a group of incisions is different from the depth of said
second incision within a group of incisions.
The third aspect of the present invention may be combined with any
one of the different exemplary embodiments disclosed above for the
first and second aspects of the present invention. The third aspect
of the present invention may be used together with the first aspect
of the present invention, but it is not necessary to limit its
potential use to wound pads being provided with discrete groups of
incisions in which the common starting point of said first group of
incisions is provided on a first side of an imaginary line
extending in the machine direction of said fibrous wound pad, and
the common starting point of said second group of incisions is
provided on a second side of said imaginary line, and wherein a
first incision of said first group of incisions and a second
incision of said second group of incisions each cross said
imaginary line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as additional, objects, features and advantages
of the present invention will be better understood through the
following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with reference to
the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a wound pad according to
the present invention forming part of a wound care product, in
perspective view,
FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of the wound pad according
to the present invention, and a wound care product, in exploded
view,
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wound care product
comprising a wound pad according to the present invention,
FIG. 4a is a top view illustrating the pattern of incisions in a
wound pad according to the first embodiment of the present
invention,
FIG. 4b is a detailed view of one group of incisions according to
the first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 5a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention,
FIG. 5b is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment in FIG.
5a,
FIGS. 6a-6b are top views illustrating pattern of incisions in a
wound pad according to alternative embodiments of the present
invention,
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the improved flexibility in a wound
pad according to the present invention, as compared to prior art
products, and
FIGS. 8a-8c illustrates, in perspective views, exemplary
embodiments according to a third aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary
embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and
fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee.
Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the
description.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the wound pad
according to the present invention and in an exemplary
square-shaped self-adhesive member 1 for adhering to and covering a
portion of a user's skin, such as a self-adhesive wound care
product. The self-adhesive member 1 is not limited to have a square
shape, it may have any other suitable shape, such as round, oval
etc.
The self-adhesive member 1 comprises a backing layer 2 and a wound
contact layer 3 having a self-adhesive coating (not shown),
preferably a silicone-gel adhesive coating. The wound contact layer
may be either unbroken or perforated. The self-adhesive coating of
the self-adhesive member may alternatively be an acrylic or rubber
based soft hotmelt coating.
The backing layer 2 is a flexible layer, which can readily be
applied to any part of the wearer's body. The backing layer is
suitably a polymer film, preferably a polyurethane film, as such
films are suitable for this purpose. The plastic film, in
particular the polyurethane film, may have a thickness of less than
100 .mu.m, preferably 10-50 .mu.m, in order to allow the wound care
product to adapt closely to the shape of the wearer's body. The
backing layer 2 may alternatively be a laminate, which could
suitably include an elastic film made of for example polyurethane
(PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE). The laminate could also include a layer of nonwoven or
textile material. The layers of the laminate may be laminated by
adhesive lamination, using for example hotmelt or acrylic glue,
heat lamination or flame lamination.
A carrier layer (not shown) may also be provided on the backing
layer, in order to facilitate handling of the wound care product.
The function of the carrier layer is to support the plastic film
and to provide steadiness, while applying the wound care product to
the wearer's skin, whereupon the carrier layer is removed. Such
carrier layer may be a plastic film of somewhat higher stiffness
than the material used for the backing layer, or nonwoven material,
flexible foam material, or paper, which advantageously is
polyethylene-coated, or the like.
The self-adhesive member comprises a central area 6 and an edge
area 7 comprising an outer edge 8 surrounds the central area 6. At
the central area 6, a wound pad 4 is provided.
The wound pad 4 comprises in this embodiment three layers, namely a
liquid transporting layer 10, a distributing layer 11 and a liquid
retaining and liquid transporting layer 12. The liquid transporting
layer 10 is made of foam, such as polyurethane foam, the
distributing layer 11 comprises fibers and is made of a non-woven
material, and the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer 12
is made of a material comprising super absorbent material, for
example super absorbent fibers or particles. The liquid
transporting layer 10 is provided on a first side of said
distributing layer 11, which side is directed towards the wound
contact layer 3 when the wound pad is provided to the self-adhesive
member 1. The liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer 12 is
provided on the other side of said distributing layer 11 and will
thereby become positioned towards the backing layer 2 when the
wound pad 4 is provided to the self-adhesive member 1.
The wound pad 4 is provided with groups 15 of incisions 15a, 15b,
15c, which are more clearly seen in FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG.
2, the incisions extend in this embodiment through the liquid
retaining and liquid transporting layer 12 and the distributing
layer 11. The liquid transporting layer 10 is in this embodiment
not provided with any incisions.
FIG. 3 illustrates the self-adhesive member 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 in
cross-section, taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. As can be seen
here, two of the incisions 15a are illustrated and they cut through
the material comprising super absorbent material in the liquid
retaining and liquid transporting layer 12 and the fiber-based
material in the distributing layer 11. By this, the fibers 14 are
cut along their length. By cutting through the liquid retaining and
liquid transporting layer and the fibers of the distributing layer,
a more flexible product is achieved.
The pattern of incisions on the first exemplary embodiment of a
wound pad is illustrated in FIG. 4a. As can be seen, each group of
incisions 15 comprises three incisions 15a, 15b, 15c, extending
from a common starting point 16 in three different directions. The
end points 17a, 17b, 17c of each one of the incisions 15a, 15b, 15c
are distanced from each other. This is also illustrated in enlarged
view in FIG. 4b.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first incision 15a in each group
of incisions extends in the cross-direction CD of the wound pad,
i.e. perpendicular to the machine direction MD of the wound pad.
The two other incisions 15b, 15c of each group of incisions are
provided with an angle to the machine direction MD of the wound
pad. The angles .alpha., .beta., .gamma. between each one of the
three incisions is in this embodiment the same, namely 120.degree..
The lengths L1, L2 and L3 of the respective incisions in this
embodiment is also the same for all three incisions within one
group of incisions.
The groups of incisions 15 are provided in a pattern in which one
incision of a group of incisions 15 overlap at least one incision
of another group of incisions. In other words, the common starting
point 16 of the first group of incisions 15 is provided on a first
side of an imaginary line 20 extending in the machine direction of
said fibrous wound pad, and the common starting point 16 of the
second group of incisions 15 is provided on a second side of said
imaginary line 20, and wherein a first incision 15a of said first
group of incisions and a second incision 15b of said second group
of incisions each cross said imaginary line. In the illustrated
embodiment, also a third incision 15c of the second group of
incisions cross said imaginary line. By this, it is not possible to
draw a straight line from any point of the periphery of the wound
pad 4 to another point at the periphery of the wound pad 4, in the
areas where groups of incisions are provided and in the machine
direction of the wound pad, without passing through at least one
incision. Hence, the wound pad is cut on many instances, and for
example, the fibres of the distributing layer 11 are cut at least
once during their extension.
As can be seen in the drawings, a narrow area extending along the
periphery of the wound pad has been left without groups of
incisions, and in that area the wound pad may not be cut. However,
that area constitutes only a minor portion of the total area of the
wound pad, and leaving such an area without incisions does not
compromise the positive effects of the present invention.
Furthermore, by leaving an area closest to the periphery without
incisions reduces the risk that minor portions of the outermost
part of the wound pad will fall off from the wound pad.
In the pattern shown in FIG. 4, each one of the groups of incisions
15 chosen in one of the rows are overlapped by four other groups of
incisions 115, 215, 315, 415. The features of the groups of
incisions 115, 215, 315 and 415 are the same as for any one of the
other groups 15. They have only been denoted differently to
illustrate that they in this example are the ones overlapping one
of the other groups 15 of incisions. In FIGS. 5a and 5b, an
alternative embodiment is illustrated. However, most features in
this embodiment are similar to the embodiment described in relation
to FIGS. 1-4b, and these features will not be elucidated again for
this embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the
previous one is that in this embodiment, only a portion close to
the periphery of the wound pad is provided with groups 15 of
incisions. However, also in this embodiment is the outermost
portion, i.e. the portion adjacent to the periphery of the wound
pad, not provided with incisions.
However, the pattern of incisions are also for this embodiment
provided such that at least one incision 15a, 15b, 15c within a
group 15 of incisions overlap an incision 15a, 15b, 15c of another
group 15 of incisions, such that it becomes impossible to draw a
straight line from any point of the periphery of the wound pad 4 to
another point at the periphery of the wound pad 4, at least not in
the machine direction of the wound pad and except for the outermost
portion of the wound pad, without passing through at least one
incision. Hence, also in this embodiment is the wound pad cut
through a sufficient degree, and for example, most of the fibres of
the distributing layer 11 are cut at least once during their
extension.
FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate different alternative embodiments of the
design of the incisions within the groups of incisions. In FIG. 6a
a first alternative embodiment of the group 515 of incisions is
shown, which comprises four incisions 515a-d, extending from a
common centre point 516. In this embodiment, the angles between
each one of the incisions are perpendicular. In FIG. 6b, a second
alternative embodiment is shown. In this embodiment of the group
615 of incisions each group comprises five incisions 615a-e,
extending from a common centre point 616. Also in this embodiment
are the angles between each one of the incisions similar to each
other, namely 72.degree.. The pattern of incisions are also for
these embodiments provided such that at least one incision within a
group of incisions overlap an incision of another group of
incisions, and the same effect as for the previously described
embodiments are achieved. Features and variations not mentioned
specifically for these two alternative embodiments are the same as
for the first embodiment.
The incisions may be produced by known measures such as cutting
with a mechanical tool, e.g. a knife, or with e.g. laser. Such
methods are known in the art and will not be further elaborated
upon herein.
FIG. 7 discloses an illustrative graph of the flexibility of a
wound pad according to the present invention compared with prior
art wound pads. In these tests, the test method ASTM D882-02 was
used but modified regarding resolution, i.e. additional
measurements were included. The wound pad tested in this test
comprised two nonwoven layers, one with polyacrylate, cotton and
polyester, and one with polyester and viscose. The line denoted
"Reference" illustrates a wound pad without incisions. As can be
seen, a large force is required to strain the wound pad. When the
product has been strained approximately 20-25%, it will break and
therefore less force is required for the final straining up to 30%.
The line denoted 21 illustrates a wound pad provided with incisions
that are not overlapping each other. The characteristics of this
wound pad during stretching are the same as for the wound pad
without incisions, even if less force is required. The line denoted
20 illustrates a wound pad according to the present invention and
as can be seen, less force is required for straining and the wound
pad can be stretched to a larger degree without breaking. The line
denoted 22 illustrates another embodiment within the scope of the
present invention, although it is not as preferred as the
embodiment denoted 20. Less incisions are provided in the
embodiment denoted 22 than in the embodiment denoted 20 and as can
be seen in the graph, more force is required to strain the
embodiment denoted 22. However, as is also seen in the graph, it
requires less force to strain the embodiment denoted 22 than the
wound pads not falling within the scope of the present invention,
and the embodiment denoted 22 does also not break when it has been
strained to 20-25%.
The present inventors have also made a comparative analysis of the
total fluid handling capacity of a dressing being provided with a
wound pad according to the present invention, as compared with a
dressing being provided with a wound pad according to prior art.
The fluid handling capacity of the dressings was measured according
to EN 13726-1: 2002 (E), 3.3. Fluid handling capacity (modified
regarding the amount of Test Solution A; i.e. 30 ml was used). The
dressings had the exact same construction with regard to backing
layer, wound pad, and wound contact layer; with the difference that
the distribution layer of the wound pad of the inventive dressing
was provided with incisions according to the present invention. The
groups of incisions were similar to those denoted 20 in FIG. 7. No
incisions were provided in the distribution layer of the prior art
dressing. The total fluid handling capacity was increased about
20%, and the moisture vapour loss, MVL, was increased by 39% with
the inventive dressing. This can be attributed to the increased
product flexibility provided by the incisions. The wound pad is
allowed to stretch in all directions during wet conditions.
Therefore, the movement and spreading of liquid within the dressing
is improved, and excess liquid can evaporate from the product, and
be transferred out from the wound pad through the backing layer. In
other words, the dressing does not become saturated as quickly, and
the dressing can be left in place for a longer time compared to a
non-flexible product according to the prior art.
FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate another aspect of the present invention in a
schematic manner. Same reference numerals as those previously used
represent the same features and will not be further elaborated
upon. In this aspect, a group of incisions 815 is illustrated. The
group of incisions consists of three incisions 815a, 815b and 815c,
but this aspect is conceivable to combine with any one of the
different embodiments of incisions described for the different
embodiments above. As can be seen in FIG. 8a, the depth of the
first incision 815a is smaller than the depth of the second and
third incisions 815b and 815c. It is for example possible that the
first incision 815a extends through one layer of the wound pad and
that the second and third incisions 815b and 815c extend through
more than one layer. This is e.g. illustrated in FIG. 8b in which
all three incisions extend through the liquid retaining and liquid
transporting layer and only the second and third incisions extend
through the distributing layer 11. It is also conceivable that they
extend to different depths within a layer of the wound pad.
FIG. 8c illustrates another embodiment within this inventive
aspect. In this embodiment, the incisions are made from the liquid
transporting layer 10 side of the wound pad. All three incisions
815a, 815b and 815c extend through the liquid transporting layer
10. However, the depths of the incisions vary and only two
incisions within each group of incisions extend through the
distributing layer 11. In this embodiment, the depths of the
incisions vary between different groups of incisions, and as can be
seen, in one group it is the first incision 815a that has the
smallest depth, while it in another group is the second incision
815b and in yet another group it is the third incision 815c that
has the smallest depth.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein, it should be apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications or
alterations to the invention described herein may be made. Thus,
the above description of the various embodiments and aspects of the
present invention and the accompanying drawings are to be regarded
as non-limiting examples of the invention and the scope of
protection is defined by the appended claims.
For example, even though the wound pad according to the present
invention in the foregoing description has been described as
forming part of a self-adhesive member is it conceivable that the
wound pad may be sold and distributed as a stand-alone product. It
is also conceivable that the wound pad may be used in other
applications than wound care products.
The angle between each one of the three incisions has been
described as being the same. It is however conceivable that it is
not the same between each one of the incisions. The length of the
incisions have also been described as being the same for all three
incisions within one group of incisions. It is however also
conceivable that incisions of different lenghts are provided,
either within a group of incisions or in different groups of
incisions.
The incisions have in many embodiments been described as being cut
from the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer side of the
wound pad and through the liquid retaining and liquid transporting
layer and the distributing layer. It is however also conceivable
that the incisions are made from the other side of the wound pad,
i.e. the cuts are made through the liquid transporting layer and
the distributing layer. It is also conceivable with wound pads in
which the cut is made through the entire wound pad, i.e. through
all three layers of the embodiment described above. Even further,
it is also concievable with embodiments in which one layer is
partially cut through. For example, if the incisions are made from
the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer side of the
wound pad, then the incisions may have such an extension in the
depth direction of the wound that the liquid retaining and liquid
transporting layer and distributing layer are cut through, while
the incision extends only partially into the liquid transporting
layer. The same also applies if the cut is made from the liquid
transporting layer side of the wound pad; the cut may then instead
extend partially into the liquid retaining and liquid transporting
layer.
Furthermore, the wound pad has been described as comprising an
liquid transporting layer, a distributing layer and a liquid
retaining and liquid transporting layer. It is however also
conceivable with embodiments in which a wound pad comprises a
liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer and a distributing
layer, but no liquid transporting layer. In such an embodiment, the
distributing layer would be closest to the wound contact layer when
the wound pad is provided to a self-adhesive member. Another
exemplary embodiment of a wound pad comprises a layer of compressed
foam and a distributing layer. A yet further exemplary embodiment
is similar to the one presented above in relation to FIGS. 1-5 and
8, but with an additional layer comprising foam adjacent the side
of the liquid retaining and liquid transporting layer not being in
contact with the distributing layer.
A person skilled in the art also realizes that the different
alternative embodiments and aspects mentioned above may be combined
with each other in various suitable embodiments within the scope of
the claims, e.g. with regard to the number of layers and their
constitution, the design and shape of the group of incisions, the
positioning of the groups of incisions and the depth of the group
of incisions.
Furthermore, any reference signs in the claims should not be
construed as limiting the scope.
* * * * *